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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Sailing</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/s/sailing.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/luke/8-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/sailing.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Sailing</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/s/saileth.htm" title="Saileth">◄</a> Sailing <a href="/topical/s/sailing_under_cyprus.htm" title="Sailing Under Cyprus">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Sailing, as a mode of transportation and commerce, holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the ancient Near East and the Mediterranean world. The Bible references sailing in various passages, illustrating its importance in trade, travel, and the spread of the Gospel. Old Testament Context While the Old Testament does not extensively detail sailing, it does provide glimpses into maritime activities. The construction of ships and the use of the sea for trade are mentioned, particularly in relation to the Phoenicians, who were renowned sailors. In <a href="/1_kings/9-26.htm">1 Kings 9:26-28</a>, King Solomon is noted for building a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in partnership with Hiram of Tyre. This fleet was used to bring gold from Ophir, highlighting the role of sailing in economic endeavors. The prophet Isaiah also alludes to the significance of maritime trade in <a href="/bsb/isaiah/23.htm">Isaiah 23</a>, where he prophesies against Tyre, a major Phoenician port city known for its ships and commerce. The imagery of ships and the sea serves as a metaphor for the city's impending downfall. New Testament Context The New Testament provides more detailed accounts of sailing, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles. The Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys frequently involved travel by sea, underscoring the importance of sailing in the spread of Christianity. <a href="/bsb/acts/27.htm">Acts 27</a> provides a vivid narrative of Paul's voyage to Rome, which includes a perilous storm and shipwreck. This account not only illustrates the challenges of ancient maritime travel but also serves as a testament to God's providence and protection. In <a href="/acts/27-13.htm">Acts 27:13-15</a> , it is written: "When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. But it was not long before a cyclone called the Northeaster swept down across the island. Unable to head into the wind, the ship was caught up. So we gave way and let ourselves be driven along." This passage highlights the unpredictability of sea travel and the reliance on favorable winds. Symbolism and Metaphor Sailing and the sea often carry symbolic meanings in Scripture. The sea can represent chaos and danger, as seen in the account of Jonah, where a great storm arises, and Jonah is thrown overboard to calm the sea (<a href="/jonah/1-4.htm">Jonah 1:4-15</a>). Conversely, Jesus' calming of the storm in the Gospels (e.g., <a href="/mark/4-35.htm">Mark 4:35-41</a>) demonstrates His authority over nature and His ability to bring peace amidst turmoil. The imagery of ships and sailing is also used metaphorically in the Epistles. <a href="/james/3-4.htm">James 3:4</a> states, "Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined." This metaphor illustrates the power of the tongue and the importance of self-control. Cultural and Historical Insights In the ancient world, sailing was a crucial component of trade and communication. The Mediterranean Sea, with its numerous ports and trade routes, facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures. The Bible's references to sailing reflect this historical reality and provide insight into the daily lives and challenges faced by those who traveled by sea. The construction and design of ships during biblical times varied, with larger vessels used for long-distance trade and smaller boats for fishing and local transport. The reliance on wind patterns and the dangers of storms made sailing a risky endeavor, requiring skill and experience. Conclusion Sailing in the Bible serves as a backdrop for significant events and teachings, illustrating both the practical aspects of ancient life and the deeper spiritual truths conveyed through maritime imagery. Through the accounts of voyages, shipwrecks, and the calming of storms, the Bible reveals the interplay between human endeavor and divine intervention on the high seas.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Sail.2. (n.) The act of one who, or that which, sails; the motion of a vessel on water, impelled by wind or steam; the act of starting on a voyage.3. (n.) The art of managing a vessel; seamanship; navigation; as, globular sailing; oblique sailing.<a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/4144.htm">4144. ploos -- a voyage</a> ... a voyage. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: ploos or plous Phonetic Spelling: (plo'-os) Short Definition: a voyage Definition: a voyage, sailing. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4144.htm - 6k<a href="/greek/3881.htm">3881. paralegomai -- to sail past or coast along</a> ... Word Origin from para and lego Definition to sail past or coast along NASB Word Usage sailing along (1), sailing past (1). pass, sail by. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3881.htm - 6k<a href="/greek/4126.htm">4126. pleo -- to sail</a> ... sea, voyage. Word Origin a prim. word Definition to sail NASB Word Usage passenger* (1), sail (1), sailing (4). sail. Another form ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4126.htm - 6k<a href="/greek/636.htm">636. apopleo -- to sail away</a> ... sail away. Word Origin from apo and pleo Definition to sail away NASB Word Usage sail (1), sailed (2), sailing (1). sail away. From ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/636.htm - 6k<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><a href="/library/bede/bedes_ecclesiastical_history_of_england/chap_xvii_how_germanus_the.htm">How Germanus the Bishop, Sailing into Britain with Lupus, First ...</a> ... XVII. How Germanus the Bishop, sailing into Britain with Lupus, first quelled the tempest of the sea, and afterwards that of the Pelagians, by Divine power. ... /.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xvii how germanus the.htm<a href="/library/orr/food_for_the_lambs_or_helps_for_young_christians/introduction.htm">Introduction.</a> ... But, alas! how few are sailing tranquil waters. ... Yonder in the distance we see gay, glittering crafts sailing about in a state of unrest. ... /.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/introduction.htm<a href="/library/chidley/fifty-two_story_talks_to_boys_and_girls/steam_and_sails.htm">Steam and Sails</a> ... STEAM AND SAILS. All the vessels on the oceans can be divided into two classes: steamships and sailing vessels. The sailing vessels ... /.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/steam and sails.htm<a href="/library/kingsley/westminster_sermons/sermon_xi_god_the_teacher.htm">God the Teacher.</a> ... If a ship sinks, for want of good sailing or other defect, that is a judgment of God about the ship. ... And the land to which we are sailing is eternal Life. ... /.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xi god the teacher.htm<a href="/library/mcgarvey/a_commentary_on_acts_of_the_apostles/acts_xxvii.htm">Acts XXVII</a> ... (6) There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria, sailing for Italy, and put us on board of it." Thus, according to expectation, they fell in with a vessel ... /.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxvii.htm<a href="/library/various/life_and_works_of_rufinus_with_jeromes_apology_against_rufinus_/22_if_any_one_wishes.htm">If any one Wishes to Hear the Arrangements for My Journey from ...</a> ... It would be easy for me to tell of the circumstances of your departure, your age, the date of sailing, the places in which you lived, the company you kept. ... /.../22 if any one wishes.htm<a href="/library/carpenter/the_angel_adjutant_of_twice_born_men/viii_a_break_to_canada.htm">A Break to Canada</a> ... In advance of each sailing, full particulars were mailed to The Salvation Army officers who were responsible for meeting the boat at the port of landing, and ... /.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/viii a break to canada.htm<a href="/library/griswold/sixty_years_with_plymouth_church/the_fort_sumter_expedition.htm">The Fort Sumter Expedition</a> ... The singing was led by Mr. Bradbury, while among the songs were "We are out on the ocean sailing," "John Brown's Soul is Marching on," "We'll Hang Jeff Davis ... /.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/the fort sumter expedition.htm<a href="/library/orr/how_to_live_a_holy_life/the_way_the_sail_is.htm">The Way the Sail is Set.</a> ... THE WAY THE SAIL IS SET. I stood beside the open sea; The ships went sailing by; The wind blew softly o'er the lea; The sun had cloudless sky. ... //christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/the way the sail is.htm<a href="/library/borthwick/hymns_from_the_land_of_luther/the_desired_haven.htm">The Desired Haven.</a> ... Long since safe are landed on a calm and friendly shore: Now the sailing orders in mercy, Lord, bestow". ... Then the sailing orders the Captain shall bestow". ... /.../borthwick/hymns from the land of luther/the desired haven.htm<a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/s/sailing.htm">Sailing (23 Occurrences)</a> ... 3. (n.) The art of managing a vessel; seamanship; navigation; as, globular sailing; oblique sailing. Multi-Version Concordance Sailing (23 Occurrences). ... /s/sailing.htm - 13k<a href="/topical/s/sail.htm">Sail (32 Occurrences)</a> ... 5. (n.) A sailing vessel; a vessel of any kind; a craft. 6. (n.) A passage by a sailing vessel; a journey or excursion upon the water. ... /s/sail.htm - 17k<a href="/topical/t/trim.htm">Trim (4 Occurrences)</a> ... a boat. 6. (vt) To arrange in due order for sailing; as, to trim the sails. 7. (vt) To rebuke; to reprove; also, to beat. 8. (vi ... /t/trim.htm - 9k<a href="/topical/c/coasting.htm">Coasting (1 Occurrence)</a> ... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Coast. 2. (a.) Sailing along or near a coast, or running between ports along a coast. ... /c/coasting.htm - 7k<a href="/topical/a/adria.htm">Adria (1 Occurrence)</a> ... After leaving Crete the vessel in which the apostle Paul was sailing under military escort was "driven to and fro in the sea of Adria" fourteen days (Acts 27:27 ... /a/adria.htm - 8k<a href="/topical/t/towns.htm">Towns (450 Occurrences)</a> ... Acts 27:2 And we went to sea in a ship of Adramyttium which was sailing to the sea towns of Asia, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. ... /t/towns.htm - 36k<a href="/topical/r/reached.htm">Reached (152 Occurrences)</a> ... Jerusalem. "After that," he said, "I must also see Rome." (WEY). Acts 20:15 Sailing from there, we arrived the next day off Chios. On ... /r/reached.htm - 35k<a href="/topical/b/boats.htm">Boats (11 Occurrences)</a> ... 26, the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American)); "pilot," chobhel (Jonah 1:6 Ezekiel 27:8, 27, 28, 29); "sailing," "voyage," plous ... /b/boats.htm - 40k<a href="/topical/s/ships.htm">Ships (46 Occurrences)</a> ... 26, the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American)); "pilot," chobhel (Jonah 1:6 Ezekiel 27:8, 27, 28, 29); "sailing," "voyage," plous ... /s/ships.htm - 53k<a href="/topical/r/run.htm">Run (147 Occurrences)</a> ... six months. 33. (v.) To sail before the wind, in distinction from reaching or sailing closehauled; -- said of vessels. 34. (a.) Specifically ... /r/run.htm - 43k<a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/mermaids-Bible.html">Are mermaids mentioned in the Bible? Do mermaids exist? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Paul-second-missionary-journey.html">What happened on Paul's second missionary journey? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Noble-Eightfold-Path.html">What is the Noble Eightfold Path? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://clyx.com/term/sailing.htm">Sailing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a> <a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div>Sailing (23 Occurrences)<a href="/luke/8-23.htm">Luke 8:23</a> But while they were sailing he went to sleep: and a storm of wind came down on the sea, and the boat became full of water and they were in danger. (BBE YLT NAS)<a href="/acts/18-18.htm">Acts 18:18</a> And Paul having remained yet a good many days, having taken leave of the brethren, was sailing to Syria -- and with him 'are' Priscilla and Aquilas -- having shorn 'his' head in Cenchera, for he had a vow; (YLT)<a href="/acts/20-15.htm">Acts 20:15</a> Sailing from there, we came the following day opposite Chios. The next day we touched at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium, and the day after we came to Miletus. (WEB WEY ASV NAS RSV)<a href="/acts/21-1.htm">Acts 21:1</a> And it came to pass, at our sailing, having been parted from them, having run direct, we came to Coos, and the succeeding 'day' to Rhodes, and thence to Patara, (YLT)<a href="/acts/21-2.htm">Acts 21:2</a> And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. (KJV WBS)<a href="/acts/21-3.htm">Acts 21:3</a> and having discovered Cyprus, and having left it on the left, we were sailing to Syria, and did land at Tyre, for there was the ship discharging the lading. (YLT NAS)<a href="/acts/27-1.htm">Acts 27:1</a> And when our sailing to Italy was determined, they were delivering up both Paul and certain others, prisoners, to a centurion, by name Julius, of the band of Sebastus, (YLT)<a href="/acts/27-2.htm">Acts 27:2</a> And we went to sea in a ship of Adramyttium which was sailing to the sea towns of Asia, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. (BBE)<a href="/acts/27-2.htm">Acts 27:2</a> And we went to sea in a ship of Adramyttium which was sailing to the sea towns of Asia, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. (BBE)<a href="/acts/27-4.htm">Acts 27:4</a> And sailing again from there, we went on under cover of Cyprus, because the wind was against us. (BBE)<a href="/acts/27-5.htm">Acts 27:5</a> and, sailing the whole length of the sea that lies off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we reached Myra in Lycia. (WEY)<a href="/acts/27-6.htm">Acts 27:6</a> There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, and he put us on board. (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/acts/27-7.htm">Acts 27:7</a> It took several days of slow sailing for us to come with difficulty off Cnidus; from which point, as the wind did not allow us to get on in the direct course, we ran under the lee of Crete by Salmone. (WEY DBY)<a href="/acts/27-8.htm">Acts 27:8</a> With difficulty sailing along it we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea. (WEB BBE NAS)<a href="/acts/27-9.htm">Acts 27:9</a> Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, (KJV WBS YLT NIV)<a href="/acts/27-16.htm">Acts 27:16</a> And, sailing near the side of a small island named Cauda, we were able, though it was hard work, to make the ship's boat safe: (BBE)<a href="/acts/27-19.htm">Acts 27:19</a> And on the third day, they let all the sailing apparatus go over the side. (BBE)<a href="/acts/27-21.htm">Acts 27:21</a> And when they had been without food for a long time, Paul got up among them and said, Friends, it would have been better if you had given attention to me and not gone sailing out from Crete, to undergo this damage and loss. (BBE)<a href="/acts/27-24.htm">Acts 27:24</a> and he said, "'Dismiss all fear, Paul, for you must stand before Caesar; and God has granted you the lives of all who are sailing with you.' (WEY BBE YLT NAS)<a href="/acts/28-11.htm">Acts 28:11</a> And after three months we went to sea in a ship of Alexandria sailing under the sign of the Dioscuri, which had been at the island for the winter. (BBE)<a href="/revelation/18-17.htm">Revelation 18:17</a> For in one hour such great wealth has come to nothing. And every shipmaster, and all who are sailing on the sea, and sailors and all who get their living by the sea, were watching from far away, (BBE)<a href="/2_chronicles/9-21.htm">2 Chronicles 9:21</a> For the king had Tarshish-ships sailing with the servants of Huram: once every three years the Tarshish-ships came back with gold and silver, ivory and monkeys and peacocks. (BBE)<a href="/isaiah/33-21.htm">Isaiah 33:21</a> But there the Lord will be with us in his glory, ... wide rivers and streams; where no boat will go with blades, and no fair ship will be sailing. (BBE)<a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><a href="/topical/s/sailing.htm">Sailing</a><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><a href="/topical/s/sailors.htm">Sailors (9 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/sailing.htm">Sailing (23 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/y/yarn.htm">Yarn (37 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/t/tar.htm">Tar (3 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/t/trick.htm">Trick (11 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/r/ration.htm">Ration (2 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/e/eye.htm">Eye (145 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/e/euraquilo.htm">Euraquilo (1 Occurrence)</a><a href="/topical/m/mariner.htm">Mariner</a><a href="/topical/s/sail.htm">Sail (32 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/salt.htm">Salt (45 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/h/hitch.htm">Hitch (2 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/p/phoenix.htm">Phoenix (2 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/s/saileth.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Saileth"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Saileth" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/s/sailing_under_cyprus.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Sailing Under Cyprus"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Sailing Under Cyprus" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>